The second leg of that long weekend road trip saw us stopping overnight in Canberra. Canberra isn’t just all about politicians and embassies and the nation’s capital. It is Kid Heaven! Especially if you’re Boyo and get to stay in a hotel with your own double bed, a lovely swimming pool and a buffet breakfast that makes your eyes pop out of your head.

I can see why Canberra is so popular with families. There are great schools, lots of open parkland, playgrounds, bicycle tracks and the like. Boyo’s drawcard? Questacon! It is absolutely amazing to see his mind actively expanding as he learns and discovers new scientific concepts. Boyo comes from a long line of engineers – you can tell!

Questacon is, as they say, the smart way to have fun. Kids (and, um, their parents too!) learn as they play and discover, which is absolutely the best way to learn. The National Science and Technology Centre is an absolute treasure and well worth a visit.

We also visited The National Museum of Australia, the national social history museum which focuses on the land, nation and people of Australia. It is an amazing place to visit and yet again, lots of learning whilst playing and discovering takes place. Love that!

I was lucky enough to grab some Me Time, whilst the blokefolk relaxed in the café, and visit the Glorious Days exhibition. Oh, it was just fabulous! The clothes, artworks, jewellery, photographs, toys, cars … so much vintage glamour!

100 years ago, in 1913, Australia was living the dream. Australia was a prosperous nation, with cars and technological advances becoming more accessible. Australia was a proud nation, forging their unique culture and making strides in the sporting fields of the world. Australians saw themselves as progressive world leaders. I so enjoyed the opportunity to look back and take account of what had changed, and what had stayed the same. Thank goodness swimming costumes are one of those things which changed. Full length woollen costumes in the height of summer?!

Unfortunately, the world was about to change for the worse with the onset of Word War 1, the Great War. With this knowledge, it made looking back at this time of great optimism a little bittersweet.

If you’re within striking distance of Canberra, I highly recommend this fabulous exhibition, which runs until 13 October. Oh, and the exhibition shop? It is also fabulous!

We stayed at the Rydges Canberra Capital Hill, where they had a fabulous Questacon deal. For $179, we had a twin double bed room (great for Boyo, less great for the Welshman and I who usually share a king bed!), free parking, buffet breakfast, free Wifi and a family pass to Questacon, plus restaurant deals. Options and prices change so keep an eye out for the special deals. An excellent weekend away for a family.